PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday that Arizona will deploy $1.8 million in emergency funding to help families affected by the Trump administration’s suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The funds, drawn from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources, aim to provide short-term relief as nearly 900,000 Arizonans face disruptions in food assistance.
Under the plan, $1.5 million will go to food banks across the state to help meet a surge in demand for emergency food aid. The Arizona Food Bank Network will oversee the effort and coordinate with residents, volunteers, and donors to fill immediate gaps left by the suspended federal aid.
An additional $300,000 will fund Food Bucks Now, a new emergency initiative run through the Double Up Arizona network. The program will give SNAP participants $30 vouchers to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, and community grocery stores.
Hobbs said the state’s action is necessary to protect children, seniors, and working families amid what she called a deliberate failure by Washington to fund food assistance. “The State of Arizona does not have the money to backfill the federal government’s decision,” she said in a statement, “but I am taking every action possible to mitigate the damage done to everyday people in our state.”
According to state data, about 12% of Arizonans receive SNAP benefits, including 30,000 veterans, while 40% of Arizona’s benefits go toward feeding children. Food banks currently serve more than 770,000 people each month, and officials expect that number to rise sharply if federal benefits remain frozen.
Leaders from Arizona’s hunger relief network applauded the initiative, saying it will help ease pressure on emergency food providers while giving families access to nutritious, locally grown food.
“Food Bucks Now ensures our friends and neighbors on SNAP have the ability to make critical food choices during the shutdown,” said Elyse Guidas, Executive Director of Activate Food Arizona.
The governor also urged retailers, grocers, and local growers to join the effort by contributing food, funding, and logistical support to meet heightened community needs.
More information about Food Bucks Now and how to donate or volunteer is available at azgovernor.gov.
